Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, today organized a Workshop-cum-Roadshow on “Innovations in Bio-Fabrication Materials: Polymers, Wound Care, and Cell Culture Technologies” in collaboration with MERCK Life Science Pvt. Ltd., supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)–PURSE, Government of India.
The workshop was graced by Dr. Pragiti Gahlot (Merck) and Mr. Pranav Panday (Merck), along with Prof. Vasundhara Singh (Principal Investigator, DST–PURSE), Prof. Sandeep Kumar (Co-PI, DST–PURSE), and Prof. R. S. Walia (Co-PI, DST–PURSE). The programme was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Poonam Saini and Dr. Shilpi Chaudhary.
The workshop commenced with an overview by Prof. Vasundhara Singh, who highlighted the objectives and scope of the DST–PURSE-supported initiative and its role in strengthening interdisciplinary research at PEC. The event featured a series of expert talks, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions, offering valuable insights into cutting-edge bio-fabrication materials, with a special focus on advanced polymers, wound care solutions, and cell culture technologies.
The sessions were designed to benefit researchers, academicians, and industry professionals by bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world biomedical applications. Punjab Engineering College has been honoured with the prestigious DST–PURSE grant of ₹7.5 crore, which has significantly strengthened the institution’s research ecosystem.
The grant has empowered faculty members and students to pursue high-impact research and contribute meaningfully to scientific and technological advancements. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Pragati Gehlot from Merck, who provided an overview of Merck as a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering innovative healthcare solutions for the prevention and treatment of diseases in humans and animals.
She elaborated on emerging trends in biomedical materials, 3D bioprinting, cell culture technologies, and advanced chemistry solutions, supported by an expanded chemistry ecosystem. Highlighting the transformative potential of 3D bioprinting, she emphasized that the ability to fabricate functional tissues and complete organs through 3D printing could revolutionize the future of healthcare.
The workshop concluded with enthusiastic participation and discussions, reaffirming PEC’s commitment to fostering industry-academia collaboration and advancing research in next-generation biomedical technologies.